Folding stereoscope.



No. 871,974. PATENTED NOV. 26, 1907.

W. VBRBEGK. FOLDING STEREOSGOPE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 6, 1905- 1 WI TNESSES INVE TOR a, a axy liok MMM.)mwm ATTORNEY W. VBRBEGK.

FOLDING STEREOSGOPE. APPLICATION FILED rm. 6, 1905.

PATENTED Nov. 26, 1907.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

A T ORNEY WILLIAM VERBEOK, 0F MANLIUS, NEW YORK.

FOLDING STEREOBOOPE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 26, 1907.

Application filed February @1905. Berisl No. 244371- To all whom it mayconcern:

Be it known that I, W IAM VERBEOK, of Manlius, in the county ofOnondaga, in the State of New York, have invented new and usefulImprovements in Folding Stereoscopes, of which the following, taken inconnection with the accompanylng drawings, is a full, clear, and exactdescription.

This invention relates to improvements in stereoscopes and refers moreparticularly to a folding-stereoscopp for viewing pictures of the sameobject w ch are taken in reverse order in the manner described in myapplication No. 206,106, filed May 8, 1904. My object is to arrangethese pictures in book-form with reverse pictures of the same object onopposite pa es facing each other and to interpose a lig t reflectlnmedium, as a mirror, whereby the reflection .of' the picture of one pageto the eye causes a visual superposition of such picture upon thepicture of the opposite age; thus producing a icture of the thirddimension, or as seen in inocular vision. Another object is to produce anew article of manufacture consisting of a folding-stereoscope inbook-form with a large field and contalnin a series of pairs of reverseictures of t e same object, taken from di erent oints of view, as inbinocular vision, whic pictures are mounted upon suitable leaves, sothat when folded or o ened, the pictures of each pair face each ot er,and to include in the folder, a reflector, such as a mirror, whichautomatically disposes itself in such position that when the. eyes arebrought into a certain relation with the mir ror, one of the pictures isreflected to one eye in such manner as to be visually su erimposed u onthe op osite picture, whic produces t e efiect o a single picture of thethird dimension.

A further object is to provide means for holding the picture leaves in acertain position relative to each other and to the refleeting medium tofacilitate the stereoscopic p vision or visual superposition of onepicture over the other.

A still further object is to provide means for adjusting the mirror inorder to further obtain a more perfect stereoscopic view of the objector picture. j

Other objects relating to the details of construction will be broughtout in the following description.

In the drawi sFigures 1 and 2 are respectively side e evation and a toplan of a folding-stereoscope embodyingt e features of my invention, thearts being ,shown in their open position. i 3 is an enlarged edge .viewof the same device shown in its closed position, or folded position. Fi4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4, ig. 2, showing the folder inits open position, ready for use. Fig. 5 is an end view of the parts ofthe folder, as seen in Fig. 4, showing particularly the relativeposition of the mirror and its supporting frame. Fig. 6 is an enlargedsectional view taken on line 66, Fig. 3,

showing particularly the hinge sections between the covers, the centralortions of said covers-being broken away. ig. 7 is an enlarged face viewof a portion of the mirror and its sup orts showing one of the ad'ustingdevices. i% 8 is a sectional view ta en on line 88, ig. 7. Fig. 9 is atop plan of a portion of one of the covers showing one of the adjustableholdi studs for the leaves. Fig. 10 is a sectioriifi view taken on line'10 -1o, Fig. 9.

The invention comprises essentially astereoscopic apparatus with a largefield and having two covers or leaves 1- and 2, bisected by amirror-supporting-frame 3, all of which parts are hinged together at. 4,the frame being ada ted to support a mirror in the upper part 0 'theframe3 and formin with the covers a dihedral angle 5 w 'e the covers 1and 2 form opposite panels which receive and su port a series of leaves6-, the who e evice constituting a book containing one or more pairs ofreverse ictures, as -aand -a,, Fig. 2, whic ictures are taken frombinocular oints of view, and are arranged in a fold r so as to face eachother, and also to face opposite sides of the mirror, oneof the panelson the angle, that which faces the back of-the mirror carrying the erectstereoscopic view while the other anel o posite the other side of themirror ears t e reverse view.

The covers -1 and 2 may be of any size or material, such as stiffcard-board or wood, and may be covered with any suitable material, 'suchas leather, cloth or aper, to add to the neat appearance of the older,and to provide means for receiving ornamentation or configuration of anyde-' scription which will further. add to the these abutments -8,

characteristic appearance of the device, although in the drawings I haveomitted such ornamental covering in order to render the essentialfeature of the invention clear and ditinct.

Secured tothe side edges of the meeting ends of the covers 1 and 2 aresuitable metal hinged plates -7 which receive the pivotal pins 4,whereby the covers 1 and 2 are hinged to each other, the hinge-sectionsof each pair being rovided with abutting faces 8- which imit the openingmovement of the cover but allow said covers to fold together uponopposite sides of the mirror 5 and'its supporting frame 3. The object ofor equivalent devices is to limit the opening" movement of the covers tosuch a position that when a pair of reverse stereoscopic pictures areplaced flatwise upon said covers in a certain position with reference tothe mirror, a single stereoscopic picture is seen in'its natural binocular appearance without exaggeration. This stereoscopic effect in thesingle picture may be varied or minimized by gradually folding thecovers together while the operator is careful to retain a single visionof the picture, which renders the device very entertaining by reason ofthe fact that the relief of the picture may be almost obscured when thefolder is partially closed and then by gradually opening the book,keeping the eye in a certain position with reference to the mirror so-asto maintain the visual superposition of the pictures, this relief isgradually increased as the book is opened until it reaches the maximumwith the covers opened to the limit of their movement, or until theabutments -8 are in contact. It isnow obvious that by removmg theseabutments the ance of the picture,

relief or stereoscopic effects may be further magnified by continuingthe opening of the covers, and in some instances I may prefer to makethese abutments adjustable so as to allow for this magnified relief inthe appearwhich, of course, would render the device still moreattractive and entertaining.

- well as the mirror 5, are

The mirror-supporting-frame 3, as disposed in a planewhich practicallybisects the angle formed by the folding covers 1 and 2, and although itis not'necessary to have the frame 3- disposed in exactly this plane itis necessary to have the reflecting face of the mirror in such plane andin order to permit the leaves 6 to be turned or folded from one cover tothe other in viewing the same pictures of each pair the frame 3 isdpreferably made in the form of an inverte U with the ends of itsdepending arms hinged upon the pivotal pins 4 so that the covers 1 and 2and frame -3 swing upon the same axis. The,

opposite depending arms of the U-shape frame 3 are substantiallyparallel and are s aced a sufficient distance apart to permit t e leaves6 to turn or fold between said arms and below the transverse bar, as 3,which unites the upper ends of said arms. In other words, the frame 3 isarched upwardly from the pivotal pins 4-' and extends transversely ofthe covers 1 and -2 in a plane sufficiently above said covers to permitthe free end of said leaves 6- to turn or travel under the transversebar 3 it being understood that when the folder is supported in itsoperative position, as'seen in Fig. 4, the cover 1 facing the reflectingside of the mirror 5 is disposed in an inclined plane, and that bymerely freeing the free ends of the picture leaves they naturallygravitate or turn under the transverse bar 3 of the mirror supportingframe 3, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 4. a

The mirror 5- is mounted in a suitable frame 9, which in turn, isadjustably secured to the frame 3. '1, preferably carry the mirror frame9- u on three adjustably supporting points, an for this purpose Iprovide the frame -3- with an upwardly extending arm 10- whichterminates in a plane midway between the lower and upper edges of themirror-frame 9 The lower edge of the mirror-frame -9- is disposed in asubstantially horizontal posi tion parallel with the transverse bar 3-and is provided with suitable brackets '-1 1- which are swiveled by ascrew 12' to the lower edge of the .frame 9, there being one of thesecorners of the mirror-frame. These brackets are in turn provided with.threaded apertures for receiving adjusting screws 13 which are journaledin the transverse bar 3 so that if the mirror should not be in exactadjustment for producing the desired visual effect in superposing onepicture upon the other the screws 13- may be turned one way or the otherto properly adjust the mirror. In like manner, the upper extremity ofthe arm 10 is provided with a similar adjustin screw 14 which enters thethreads aperture in the bracket 15 on the upright edge of themirror-frame 9, the adjustment being'very similar to that described forthe lower ends of the frame 9. It will now be seen that by supportingthe frame 9 at three points upon the swiveled brackets, aslightadjustment of either of the screws may take place withoutliability of breaking the mirror.

The mirror and its supporting frame are of substantially the same or ofslightly less length than the covers so that when the covers are foldedtogether, as seen in Fig. 3, the mirror and its su porting frame,together with the book or eaves containing the picbrackets at each ofthe lower 'tures, are practically inclosed and protected from injury,and the whole device occupies but a very small space.

The leaves -6 upon which the pictures or photographs are printed ormounted are attached to the covers 1- and 2 in such manner that the samepoints in the reverse pictures are equidistant from and in the samerelative position to the mirror in order to obtain an exact visualsuperposition of one picture u on the other, and in order to make thispossi 1e, I provide each cover with one or more projecting studs 16while the picture leaves 6 are provided with corresponding apertures 17which receive the studs 16. For exam le, I have shown the cover 1 facingt e reflecting' side of the mirror 5 as provided with a pair of studs16- which are located near the free end of said cover 1 while the freeend of the other cover 2 is pro- Y vided with a single central stud 1'6,and the leaves -6, which are usually bound together at one end inbook-form, have their free ends provided with apertures near their freeends, the two outer apertures receiving the studs .16 on the cover 1while the center apertures 17 receive the stud on the cover 3.

The mirror 5- and its supporting frame 3 are preferably held midwaybetween the covers as the latter are opened and closed, and for this purose I provide one of the depending arms 0 the frame 3 with a slidmgcross-head 20 to which are pivotally connected at 21 the adjacent endsof a air of toggle levers 22 havin their lbwer ends pivoted at -23- tothe adjacent edges of the covers 1 and 2 equidistant from the pivotalpins 4. It now appears that the links 22 are of equal length and beingconnected at the same point to a sliding cross-head -20 which is engagedwith the upright arm of the mirrorsupporting frame -3, whereb saidmirror supporting frame will always e held 1n a plane bisecting theangle formed by the sides and covers 1 and 2 of the holders, as saidcovers are opened and closed, and therefore, the mirror will alwaysmaintain the same position with reference to the leaves when the folderis opened for viewing pictures.

The studs 16 are preferably adjustable, both longitudinally andtransversely of the covers to which they are secured, as best seen inFigs. 9'and 10, in which I have shown the cover as provided with afixedplate havin an openin 2E therethrough whic registers wit a recess 26 inthe inner face of the cover. This plate receives asliding plate 27 whichlies in the opening 25-, said sliding plate being itself provided withanelongated slot 28 for receiving the stud 16. The plate 27 is somewhatnarrower than the w dth of the opening 25 to allow for the slldmgmovement and the slot 28 is elongated the opposite direction to permitthe stud 16to e adjusted lengthwise of the slot, and therefore, saidstud is adjust.- able in lines at right angles to each other.

The edges of the late -27 and openin 25 are prefera ly beveled so as tohol the plate 27 in osition and upon the outer face of the fixe plate isa movable or sliding plate 29 having an aperture for receiving thethreaded inner end of the stud "16 which is engaged by the nut 31-,which also enga es the under face of the plate 27- so t at b unscrewingthe stud it may be moved in irections at right anthen retightened to amthe late 27 and stud 16 p p in their adjusted positions.

In the operation of my invention, the device is unfo ded and placed uponthe table or other support in the osition seen in Fig. 4, the bookcontaining t e picture leaves being suspended from the studs -16- on thecover 1 so that their lower edges which are loosely bound together arenearly in line with the axis -4 of the swinging covers 5. One of theleaves 6'is now loosened or detached from the studs 16- of the cover 1and is allowed to turn under the transverse bar 3 through the frame -3whereu on its central aperture 17 automatica registers with and receivesthe central stu '16 on the cover 2,' thereb dis laying two reversepictures, one of which is atwise against the cover 1 at the refleetingside of the mirror, while the other is displayed fiatwise a ainst thecover 2 at the opposite side 0 the mirror so that the same points inboth pictures are now equidistant from the mirror. The operator nowplaces the eyes in somewhat close proximity to theupper edge of themirror so that the right eye will see only the reflection of the rightpicture upon the mirror 5 while the left eye will see the left pictureand by closel a plying the eyes, and at the same time 00 mg with theleft eye at the left picture, it will be found that the right-handicture is visually superimposed upon the eft picture, whereupon theobserver sees a singlepicture in stereoscopic relief. In like manner,the operator may turn over one leaf after another to bring differentsets of reverse pictures into position to view, and by maintaining theeye in the same relative position'to the mirror, and at the same timebringin the covers closely together the relief of the singlestereoscopic plcture may be varied at'will. When not in use, the book ofpictures is suspended u on the studs 16 of the cover 1 an thecovers arethen folded together to inclose and protect the book and mirror.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure byent is v 1. In a stereoscope, a stereogram composed of separatelymovable reverse pictures and supports therefor, in combination with amirror supported some distance from the stereogram to permit the searate pictures to be moved from side to side between the supports andadjacent edge of the mirror.

2. In a stereoscope, a stereogram composed of separately movable reversepictures and supports therefor, in combination with a mirror supportedsome distance from the stereogram to be moved from side to si e betweenthe supports and adjacent edge of the mirror,

w and means to engage and hold the pictures stereogram,

bination with a stereogram support in place upon this support.

3. In a stereoscope, two covers and a mirror frame hinged together on acommon axis, a stereogram having separately movable pietures, and amirror mounted in the frame with its lower edge some distance from thecovers for the purpose described.

4. In a stereoscope, the combination of a stereogram and its support, amirror frame hinged to said support, and a mirror mounted in said framewith its lower edge some distance from the sup ort to form anintervening opening for t e adjustment of the said stereogram havingseparate reverse pictures foldable from side to side under the mirror.

5. In a stereoscope, two covers and a hairror frame hinged together on acommon axis, a stereogram having separately movable pictures, and amirror mounted in the frame with' its lower edge some distance from thecovers for the purpose described, and adjustable means on the covers toengage-and hold the pictures in place.

6. In a stereoscope, the combination of a stereogram and its support, amirror frame hinged to said support, and a mirror mounted in said framewith its lower edge some distance from the support to form anintervening opening forthe adjustment of the stereogram, said stereogramhaving separate; reverse pictures foldable'from side to side under themirror and means on 'the supportrto hold the stereogram displacement.

7. In a folding stereoscope, a mirror supporting frame and a mirrormountedon said frame, in combination with a stereogram having reversepictures capable 1 of being turned or folded under the mirror.

8. In a folding stereoscope, two stereogram supporting members and amirror supporting frame all hinged to eachother upon a common pivot, anda mirror-mounted on said frame.

9. A mirror and. support therefor in comhaving Letters Pat each otherand to the to permit the separate pictures having reverse pictures andseparate leaves pictures,

from endwise or lateralv members hinged to each other, one

each of its sides movable toward andifrom opposite faces of the mirror.

10. In a folding stereoscope, a mirror and its supporting frame incombination with stereogram supporting members hinged to frame andfoldable against opposite sides of said frame.

11. In a folding stereoscope, a mirror an its supporting frame, incombination with two folding stereo ram sup orting members hinged. toeach other and olding upon opposite faces of the mirror and connectionsbetween the frame and said -members at one side of the swinging axis ofsaid members.

12. In a folding stereoscope, a stereogram therefor folding one upon theother, in combination with a mirror supported between said pictures andmeans against lateral movement.

13. In a stereoscope, a'mirror and its suport in combination with astereogram havmg reverse pictures movable toward and from opposite facesof the mirror and means :for keeping opposite. pictures the samedistance from opposite faces of the mirror while being folded andunfolded.

14. In a stereoscope, a mirror and its supporting frame, in combinationwith a folding stereogram support folding toward and from opposite facesof the mirror and means to keep the mirror midway between the foldingparts of the stereo am while the latter is eing folded and u olded.

15. In a stereoscope, folding stereogram supports, and a stereogramhaving reverse one mounted on each support, in

combination with a mirror lnterposed between said folding supports andmeans to hold-the mirror midway between said supports while the latterare unfolded. A

16. In a folding stereoscope, two folding members hinged to each other,a mirror supporting frame hinged to one of said memers, a mirror on theframe, and links having sliding connection with the mirror supportingframe and pivotally connected to said supports.

17. The combination .with two stereogram supports hinged to each other,a mirror-supporting frame connected to said supports, a link hingedtoone of the supports and having sliding connection with said frame, and amirror adjustably mounted on the frame.

18. In a folding stereoscope, the combination with two covers hinged toeach other, one provided with a stud projecting from its inner face, amirror and its supporting frame connected to said covers, and astereogram havin apertures for receiving said stud, where y thestereogram is held in place between the covers.

19. In a folding stereoscope, two folding of the being folded and tohold the leaves to one of said folding mem said members being providedwith a stud p ojecting from its inner face, a stereogram consisting oftwo sheets having reverse pictures provided with apertures for receivingsaid stud, whereby the stereogram is supported on the inner face of oneof the folding members in combination with a mirror supported betweensaid folding members.

20. In a folding stereosco e, two stereoam su ort' 1 members ed to eachther, oliia of sfd membersb i ng provided with means to hold the stereoam, a stereogram consisting of two sheets i aving reverse picturesdetachably supported y said means, a mirror support' -frame connecteders, and a mirror mounted in said frame.

T 21. A stereoscopic apparatus with a large field and a bisectmg mm andconsistin of two panels forming a dihedral angle and between whichis'arrangeda frame or tablet placed in the plane of the bisector of thesaid angle and bearing on one side of its upper part a mirror, one ofthe panels of the angle, that which faces the back of the mirrorcarrying the erect stereoscopic view, while the other panel, oppositethe reflecting surface of the mirror bears the reversed view.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 28th day of January1905.

WILLIAM VERBEOK. Witnesses:

MILDRED M; NOTT, HOWARD P. DENISON.

